This study investigates the enhancement of thriving at work among new-generation employees in manufacturing enterprises. Employing a structured questionnaire survey, an empirical study was conducted with 437 frontline and technical new-generation employees (aged 18 - 32) from four leading manufacturing firms in Shaanxi Province: LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Shaanxi Automobile Holding Group Co., Ltd., Yanchang Petroleum Group, and BYD Company Limited. A model was constructed from an internal management perspective, positioning thriving at work as the dependent variable, with demands-abilities fit, job autonomy, perceived organizational support, and transformational leadership as core independent variables. Analytical methods including reliability analysis, regression analysis, and interaction effect tests were systematically applied to identify key mechanisms influencing thriving at work. To enhance methodological rigor, established measurement scales were contextualized for the manufacturing environment (incorporating production line characteristics and standardized processes) and new-generation employee traits (emphasizing autonomy needs, growth expectations, and digital adaptability). The findings reveal that: demands-abilities fit exerts the strongest influence on thriving at work; increased job autonomy corresponds with elevated levels of thriving at work; enhanced perceived organizational support is associated with greater thriving at work; a transformational leadership style demonstrates a significant positive correlation with thriving at work; and clarity of promotion channels significantly reduces turnover intention. Based on these results, this paper proposes targeted intervention strategies across four dimensions—employee development, job design, organizational systems, and leadership behaviors—tailored to the values and behavioral characteristics of new-generation employees. The study provides empirical evidence and managerial implications for manufacturing enterprises seeking to effectively “retain, motivate, and utilize talent” within the context of digital transformation.
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